Magnum (satellite)

Magnum is the code name for a series of SIGINT reconnaissance satellites of the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NGO ) of the CIA.

Due to the secret nature of the satellite, only limited information is available. Between 1985 and 1990, three satellites were suspended by the Space Shuttle. The satellites have a mass of about 2.5 tons, flying in a geosynchronous orbit about and by an apogee (Inertial Upper Stages ) brought into its final orbit. The parabolic antenna for intercepting radio signals has a diameter of about 100 meters. The satellites were built by TRW and replaced the older spacecraft of the rhyolite / Aquacade. This series was replaced later by the satellite Mentor / Advanced Orion.

Start list

  • Magnum 1, started with STS -51- C on January 24, 1985 ( COSPAR 1985 - 010B ) (USA -8)
  • Magnum 2, started with STS -33 on 23 November 1989 ( COSPAR 1989 - 090B ) (USA -48 )
  • Magnum 3, started with STS -38 on 15 November 1990 ( COSPAR 1990 - 097B ) (USA -67) ( Some sources describe USA -67 as a military communications satellite SDS- 2 F2 )
Central Intelligence Agency STS-51-C STS-33 STS-38
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